The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds

Swami John Reis of Rocket from the Crypt and Drive Like Jehu digs deep on record collecting, the thrill of the hunt, running Swami Records, and why the next release always matters most.

Get yer tix to the Punk Rock Museum's 3rd Anniversary Show here

Topics Include:

• Swami John Reis joins to talk record collecting and Punk Rock Museum.
• His collection is evolving — trading old hardcore for more desired records.
• Collection is 95% 45s, driven by a lifelong musical pursuit.
• Early punk led him to hunt for MC5, Stooges, Velvet Underground.
• The thrill: records still exist that nobody knows about yet.
• Digging through boxes feels calming, healthy, and satisfying every time.
• Hawaii vintage shop surprise — radio station collection hidden outside for decades.
• Detroit and Pittsburgh are his highest strike-rate cities for finds.
• Always ask the clerk — the best stuff is never on the floor.
• Styrene vs vinyl: the label sticker is the definitive tell.
• Making records informed his collecting — plain white sleeves, big hole 45s.
• Pressing plant relationships are everything; affordability is the biggest challenge.
• Customs delays under the current administration are wrecking release schedules badly.
• Major labels scrapped their own pressing plants — now everyone competes for time.
• Marketing records stopped making sense; the artist always drives interest anyway.
• Every record is essentially limited and out of print from day one.
• Smaller runs mean no unsold closet stock and more collector value later.
• Hot Snakes packaging and Rick Griffin's creativity still inspire him deeply.
• Upcoming: Sultans reissue, Mrs. Magician LP, new Swami John Reis record.
• Schizophonics collaboration in the works — the next thing is always the thing.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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Dr. Strange Records' Bill Plaster talks Summer Bash and the chaos of booking a festival, punk history, record collecting, Live Strange, and how punk rock can genuinely change lives.

Get Summer Bash tix here | Follow Dr Strange for Live Strange here

Topics Include:

• Bill Plaster of Dr. Strange Records joins to discuss the upcoming Summer Bash.
• Punk Rock Bowling's cancellation — visa bans, politics, venue loss — created the opportunity.
• Bill connected with Gallo, who runs the Fox Theater and the Cathedral in Pomona.
• The Cathedral: a stunning, refurbished 1921 four-story YMCA venue hosting the event.
• A massive two-day lineup — 30-plus bands across punk, hardcore, and old-school SoCal.
• Notable acts include the Effigies, Channel 3, the Skulls, featuring Kevin from Green Day.
• Every band asked said yes — Bill takes no money, purely doing it for the community.
• Dealing with booking agents was the biggest headache of organising the festival.
• Planning started in November; Bill hopes Summer Bash becomes an annual event.
• The Punk in the Park cancellations discussed — Bill argues protest with your vote, not boycotts.
• Bill credits Rod for building Dr. Strange's social media profile and making the festival possible.
• Bill's mentorship philosophy: punk rock can genuinely change lives for the better.
• The Dr. Strange "family" ethos — making fun of people with love, never punching down.
• Bill's book discussed — early punk discoveries via Damned, Buzzcocks, and XTC seven-inches.
• The brutal gang violence at early 80s LA/SoCal punk shows — constantly watching your back.
• A close call at Spanky's: the guy next to Bill got stabbed during a Guttermouth gig.
• Biggest missed show regret: skipped Oingo Boingo due to peer pressure from girls in line.
• Never saw Black Flag — their reputation for brutality genuinely scared him off.
• Eight years of mail order before opening the store; Voodoo Glow Skulls his biggest-selling record.
• Live Strange runs Wednesdays and Fridays — the cowbell is Bill's money-back guarantee.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
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• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants talks rare vinyl rarities, the chaotic story behind the new album's cover art, why re-recording old music is almost always a mistake and lots more

Order the new album "The World Is to Dig" here

Topics Include:

• Flansburgh owns roughly 2,000 records across three turntable setups at home
• He doesn't identify as a collector — just a serious listener
• His rarest record: an Andy Warhol-autographed Sticky Fingers with wild provenance photos
• He also owns a peeled-banana Velvet Underground and a Blonde on Blonde rarity
• Deep dive into what makes each of those pressings so collectible
• TMBG's new album title comes from a Maurice Sendak-illustrated children's book
• That led to a fascinating detour on painter Ad Reinhardt's secret black-on-black canvases
• Flansburgh has been TMBG's de facto art director for 35 years
• The new album's cover art was nearly a Washington Post-licensed sinkhole photo
• Washington Post's mass layoffs killed the deal at the last possible moment
• A Hudson Valley School painting of Yosemite became the actual cover
• Flansburgh and Linnell don't stockpile songs — cuts are made for specific artistic reasons
• He once had to shelve a song because Linnell came in with a nearly identical opening line
• TMBG song titles are uniquely searchable — except the new one referencing Wu-Tang
• Flansburgh is firmly against re-recording old material — cites Zappa as a cautionary tale
• Great discussion on remastering: Beatles got it right, Hendrix remaster was disorienting
• TMBG evolved from NYC performance art venues to rock clubs — crowd energy changed everything
• Their boutique 8-track manufacturer couldn't keep up when TMBG needed a thousand units
• Dolby Atmos debate: Flansburgh is skeptical, Nate makes the case for spatial audio
• Nate's most collectible record is a Nevermind test pressing — rejected pressings are worth more

Extended & High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
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• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Zappa Vaultmeister Joe Travers discusses the Bongo Fury box set, the Frank and Beefheart origin story, Frank's cutting edge approach and what may be next from the Zappa Universe.

Order the Zappa/Beefheart Bongo Fury 50th Anniversary editions here

Topics Include:

• Joe and Nate bond over the Stooges and unreleased raw recordings
• Bongo Fury turns 50 with 48 previously unheard tracks
• Two complete Armadillo shows finally presented unedited in sequence
• Portuguese Lunar Landing emerges from rehearsal tapes—a true nugget
• Frank kept tour itineraries but few detailed production notes
• Joe worked solo digitizing tapes for decades under Gail's direction
• Universal now controls the vault—the process has changed significantly
• Frank's Mac had one gigabyte—they dumped mixes to tape constantly
• Kennedy backup tapes and Synclavier data may be unplayable forever
• Racing against tape decay and obsolete machines that can't be replaced
• Heartbreak: 1630 tapes getting stuck and destroyed inside malfunctioning machines
• Early history of Frank and Captain Beefheart
• The Soots recorded together—Tiger Roach released, two covers still unreleased
• Frank invited Beefheart to join tour to get him some money
• Beefheart was unpredictable—lyrics in paper bags, sketching onstage mid-show
• "Born to Suck" captures spontaneous studio magic with Snoop tape banter
• Frank constantly taped everything—jokes often sparked future song ideas
• Post-tour darkness: Herb Cohen fallout left Frank uncertain about everything
• Frank and Beefheart reconnected—hour-long phone calls in Frank's final months
• Warner Brothers failed to promote One Size Fits All and Bongo Fury
• Cheaper Than Cheap footage sat in vault for decades—sync issues unresolved
• Joe finally identified the mystery tapes; Universal funded the restoration
• More Atmos projects coming—Joe teases a big announcement next month

Extended & High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
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• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Danny Goldberg shares insider stories from his 50-year career as Led Zeppelin's publicist and Nirvana's manager, revealing Kurt Cobain's creative genius and the first-hand dynamics behind rock's biggest bands.

Order Danny's book "Bumping Into Geniuses" here

Topics Include:

• Danny discusses the 2026 reissue of "Bumping into Genius"
• Admits his turntables are mostly for show, prefers streaming now
• Kept about 100 vinyls including The Fugs on ESP Records
• Answered a Billboard ad not knowing music business existed
• Found his calling through enthusiasm and sensitivity to artists
• Became Led Zeppelin's US publicist in 1973 for Houses of the Holy
• The biggest band in the world had never gotten positive press
• Peter Grant described them as "just mild barbarians"
• Bonzo would arrive early to tune drums for each room's acoustics
• Jimmy Page avoided TV—felt it couldn't deliver Zeppelin's true sound
• Physical Graffiti era: Danny became Swan Song Records vice president
• His blues tribute pitch rejected—later repurposed for Foghat
• Robert Plant was eloquent and handled most press duties willingly
• Jimmy's Crowley interest rarely came up in day-to-day interactions
• Met Ringo, never John or George—All Things Must Pass is essential
• Nirvana's 92 Australian tour produced the Rolling Stone cover shoot
• Kurt's "Corporate magazines still suck" shirt was pure tightrope genius
• He storyboarded every Nirvana video shot by shot himself
• Appeared on Headbangers Ball in a dress to subvert metal culture
• Nevermind hit five radio formats simultaneously—unprecedented crossover success
• Kurt agreed to edit In Utero packaging for Walmart-only kids
• Fame invaded his privacy—tabloid coverage of Courtney infuriated him
• Depression and heroin predated fame—confirmed by Chris Novoselic
• Danny dismisses conspiracy theories—Seattle PD had no coverup motive
• Sub Pop planned "Cash Cow"—Kurt licensed it back as Incesticide
• Incesticide liner notes rank among Kurt's most remarkable creative statements
• Danny calls In Utero Kurt's best songwriting, his personal favorite
• Bonnie Raitt's Nick of Time gave Danny credibility to expand management
• John Silva brought Redd Kross, leading to Sonic Youth, then Nirvana
• Born Innocent documentary on Redd Kross earns Danny's recommendation

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Producer Plug discusses his journey from New York DJ to hip hop producer for Wu-Tang members, running multiple record stores, and launching R&G Records in Inglewood with Snoop Dogg.

Topics Include:

• Producer Plug discusses meeting again at Austin Record Fair
• His three superpowers: DJing, executive producing, and music production
• Born in Flushing Queens with father's influential Fisher sound system
• Father introduced him to WCBS-FM and classic disc jockeys
• The Fugees "Killing Me Softly" became his first musicology lesson
• Father taught him to stay curious and humble about music
• Started buying records at Nobody Beats The Wiz and Coconuts
• Carried white garbage bag of records through high school
• All The Right Records shop combined haircuts and vinyl shopping
• Made popular mixtapes across Queens neighborhoods, sold as CDs
• Got on record label promo lists by showcasing his tapes
• Mixtapes evolved into producing albums with original beats naturally
• Career progression through DJing, A&R, and label executive roles
• Opened multiple Records & Goods locations across different cities
• R&G stores feature unique Grail Museum showcasing rare pressings
• Hip hop's importance: taking best moments from every music genre
• Each store represents a spiritual piece of his father
• Haradio Sound Lab offers vinyl meditation space for listening sessions
• Tom Silverman's advice: learn from my billion-dollar mistakes instead
• Vinyl On Demand releases reissues plus upcoming Big Boo collaboration

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Co-founder and former Three Dog Night frontman Chuck Negron (1942-2026) discusses the collectible records of his career, the early releases on small labels, the rare and recalled albums of Three Dog Night and mega-smash excesses and turnaround of his life and career.

Interview from July 2022

Topics Include:

• Chuck's autobiography Three Dog Nightmare .
• Basketball was first passion growing up in Bronx schoolyards.
• Made first record "Oh Baby" in 1958 at age fifteen.
• Early releases on tiny Bronx Records label extremely rare today.
• Progressed through Rondelles, Marlinda, and Heart Van regional California labels.
• "I Dream of an Angel" became regional hit across central California.
• Columbia Records offered deal while playing college basketball at Hancock.
• Chose to finish basketball season, damaging initial Columbia Records excitement.
• Learned hard lesson about commitment after squandering early industry enthusiasm.
• Bill Sharman offered Cal State LA scholarship but chose music.
• Left school permanently, ending high-level basketball career for music industry.
• Three Dog Night formed with three lead singers sharing spotlight.
• Band's strategy: find great songs, not write them themselves exclusively.
• "One" by Harry Nilsson became breakthrough hit launching massive success.
• Achieved 21 consecutive Top 40 hits selling over 60 million records.
• "Joy to the World" became worldwide number one, band's biggest success.
• "Black and White" addressed racial integration as mainstream social statement message.
• Hard Labor's controversial birthing cover recalled after hundreds of thousands distributed.
• Now hosts weekly WhatNot show selling rare Three Dog Night collectibles.
• At 80, credits basketball training for vocal stamina and survival.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Legendary drummer & producer Steve Jordan (The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Batiste, SNL & more), discusses the history and deep personal reverence for the music of Chess Records and the 75th vinyl reissue series.

Topics Include:

• Steve Jordan discusses touring with John Batiste at Davos Economic Summit
• He's producing Robert Cray's new album at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals
• JayVee Records finishing Willie Mitchell documentary, The Verbs album, and Tony Joe White posthumous record
• Chess Records called arguably the cornerstone of modern music
• New vinyl reissue campaign marks first proper Chess reissues in decades
• Steve's compilation "Let's Play Chess" features personally meaningful recordings
• The Dells were his first Chess records—Chicago's hardcore R&B answer to Motown
• Tommy Tucker's "High Heel Sneakers" on Checker was childhood obsession
• British Invasion reintroduced American blues that establishment had suppressed racially
• Etta James "At Last" originals fetch four to five hundred dollars
• Universal fire destroyed masters; some duplicates recovered from Europe thankfully
• Early stereo versions often poorly done with hard-panned instruments and fake echo
• Chess building preserved physically but control room was completely stripped of gear
• Steve brought API console and ribbon mics for 2010 session there
• Correctly guessed drum placement; Hubert Sumlin confirmed the next day
• Otis Spann's piano still vibrates sympathetically when musicians play the room
• Jack Wiener designed Chess gear and later mastered recordings in basement
• Mastering represents twenty-five percent of the mix, often overlooked historically
• Jamie Krentz alerted Universal to Chess catalog's 75th anniversary reissue potential
• Rarities campaign revealed extraordinary alternate takes including deep Lowell Fulsom version
• Willie Mitchell spent years perfecting Royal Recording's signature snare drum sound
• Keith Richards session led to lifelong friendship with Willie Mitchell
• Willie gave Steve one of Al Jackson's tom-toms from Al Green recordings
• Recording, overdubbing, and mixing in same room captures authentic studio sound
• John Lennon was his white whale—missed meeting him by five minutes
• Finally played with Paul McCartney on Rolling Stones' Hackney Diamonds album
• Blues Brothers debuted on SNL's third season finale with Saturday Night Live band
• Matt Guitar Murphy was a Chess session player—Steve's first Chess connection unknowingly
• John Belushi educated Steve nightly on deep Chess catalog from his Chicago roots
• Devo's SNL performance was a life-changing moment Steve witnessed firsthand

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Carina Round discusses the new Puscifer album "Normal Isn't", their creative partnership, how motherhood transformed her songwriting, the emotional experience of revisiting The Disconnection and much more.

Topics Include:

• New Puscifer album "Normal Isn't" and concert film drop February 6th
• Puscifer described as dark multimedia project with interconnecting 20-year storyline
• New characters introduced: Belendia Black, Fanny Gray, the Synth Whisperer
• Writing began post-Existential Reckoning; Mat keeps a magical idea folder
• Maynard learned Logic software, contributed more initial musical sketches this time
• Carina waits for lyrics—word rhythms shape her vocal approach entirely
• Mat masters specific gear per album: Fairlight, Synclavier, custom guitars
• Carina sang through Eventide effects unit, letting it shape melodies
• Mat designs all stage plots, lighting, and visual concepts himself
• Carina recently started improv classes—facing her worst nightmare on purpose
• Mat discovered her at LA show; V is for Vagina hooked her
• Maynard conveys mood clearly while leaving lyrics open to interpretation
• Humbling River audition taught her: no preciousness about ideas here
• Maynard's response—"as long as it doesn't interfere with me"—was freeing
• Having an eight-year-old son completely changed her creative process
• Revisiting The Disconnection live revealed surprising wisdom in her youth
• Music became her way to connect rather than dissociate emotionally
• She bootlegged her own Interscope album just to have it on vinyl
• Kids today skip songs constantly—no commitment to full album journeys
• Rare Ocean Blue pressing was a happy accident—only 13 copies exist

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Lucinda Williams discusses her recent creative surge with multiple tribute albums, paying homage to the masters, Folkways days, post-stroke recovery and the new album World's Gone Wrong

Topics Include:

• Lucinda announces her 18th album "World's Gone Wrong" releasing January 23rd
• Reveals dramatic shift from releasing albums every 3-8 years recently
• Credits husband-manager Tom Overby for keeping creative momentum going post-stroke
• Explains how new band members made working out songs fun
• Describes creative process challenges between inspiration and studio deadlines
• Shares need for quiet, private spaces to write freely
• Reveals hotel rooms as unexpected creative sanctuaries like John Prine
• Discusses how songs emerge either formed or requiring detailed work
• Explains editing process of refining and "trimming the fat"
• Details collaboration with Tom Overby on "We've Come Too Far"
• Talks recording at Ray Kennedy's Room and Board studio
• Shares Steve Earle connection from Car Wheels on Gravel Road
• Laments losing song ideas when unable to record immediately
• Recalls taking control in studio despite band's initial surprise
• Tells sweet story of meeting Ringo Starr at Capitol Records
• Discusses transformative Beatles albums from early work to Sergeant Pepper
• Names Bob Dylan as her North Star musical mentor
• Explains The Doors' influence especially their dark poetic imagery
• Connects tribute album work to preparing for original songwriting
• Previews future projects including Neil Young tribute and stroke treatment

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

• Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios
• Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot
• Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon
• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide